Women in the Lead
As an American living in Israel for the past 33 years, I want to thank you for your August 19 editorial, “Israel’s Inspiration.” And as the director of the Israel office for the National Council of Jewish Women, I want to point out the inspirational leadership of Israel’s young women in this protest for social justice. It started with one young woman who simply could not pay her rent and called on others to join her as she pitched her tent on Rothschild Blvd in protest of rising rents.
One month later, with 300,000 protesters joining her, she is truly the heroine of this social movement. For decades, NCJW has supported and encouraged young Israeli women to stand up, make a difference, and take a stand.
We, too, will be watching and supporting the next generation of women, hoping that they will get involved by getting out the vote and by becoming candidates for political positions. As grassroots activists they now understand that in order to change social orders, you need to be within the political sphere where priorities are determined and budgets are allotted.
Kol Hakavod from women to women, we salute you.
Shari Eshet
Director of the Israel Office
National Council of Jewish Women
Jerusalem, Israel
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
